Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Cosmetics
Q) What is the recovery time for permanent cosmetics?
A) Everyone is different, but a general rule would be 3-7 days on the surface, and another 10-14 days below the surface. It is common for a person to return to work the same day. Lips will have some residual swelling and will chap. There may be slight swelling after the eyeliner; brows may look darker than usual – all of which softens in a few days.
Q) Can I still wear traditional make-up over the tattooed area?
A) Yes, after the area has healed. Permanent make-up is designed to be only an enhancement to your natural features. Wearing additional cosmetics is a personal choice that enhances your permanent make-up.
Q) What if I decide to have cosmetic surgery?
A) Cosmetic surgery has no affect on properly placed permanent cosmetics. However, if you’re contemplating cosmetic surgery, you may opt for the surgery before the permanent make-up.
Q) What reaction is common regarding permanent cosmetics?
A) Women are usually amazed at how awesome, natural and subtle permanent make-up is. They wish they had done it a decade ago. No more smudged make-up, daily hassle, etc. Life has become simpler!
Q) Who would benefit?
A) Active women and men ... those needing feature correction; people with allergies to make-up ... athletes ... the vision impaired ... alopecia sufferers ... those looking for a natural look - or those looking for something more dramatic.
Q) How is it done?
A) A sterilised, disposable needle is used to implant hundreds of tiny dots of coloured pigment beneath the basal (top) layer of the skin enhancing natural features.
Q) Does it hurt?
A) The topical numbing anaesthetic creams used today are much stronger than in years past. If you follow the simple rules beforehand of: no alcohol, aspirin, blood-thinning medications, Vitamin E, garlic or herbal supplements, 3 but preferably 5 days prior to your appointment, this will greatly reduce any discomfort associated with the procedure. Also, have no caffeine the day of the procedure. Following these guidelines greatly increases your comfort level during your permanent make-up procedure.
Q) How long will it take?
A) Most of the procedures require approximately 2-3 hours. The most important part of all the procedures is the artwork and choosing colours, both of which require approval by the client.
Q) How soon will the results be visible?
A) Within seven days you will notice a visible difference.
Q) How long will it last?
A) Normally one to five years, maybe longer. Re-enhancement,s otherwise known as “touch-ups’, or “refresher colour boosts” are recommended for maintenance. You must remember that permanent make-up is a “low”, not a “no”, maintenance procedure. You eventually will need a colour touch-up when your colour fades. Once the colour lightens you will know that you are ready for your refresher colour boost! You cannot avoid this fact – everything fades with time, especially anything out in the sun.
Q) What about allergies?
A) Those with allergies are particularly good candidates for permanent make-up. If you are prone to allergies, you may ask the technician about an allergy test. The allergy test will be done using a red pigment. The red pigment is usually the one that will cause the most noticeable allergic reaction if there will be a reaction at all. Reactions are rare.
Q) What does it cost?
A) Fees vary according to the creation required and will be determined at a consultation. An average price range is $100-$700 per area. But remember, you get what you pay for. The smart thing to do is not choose the cheapest artist, but you need not choose the most expensive artist either.
Q) What if the shape isn’t what I want?
A) The eyebrows are drawn on with semi-permanent marker prior to the start of any procedure, so you will see exactly what is going to be done before anything permanent is applied.
Q) What about removal of pigment?
A) We call removal “pigment lifting” which is available and works very well if the technician is trained in the process. Typically only small areas should be attempted to be lifted with either a salt/saline mixture or a similar “lifting” product, used for this purpose only– trying to remove larger areas of permanent make-up pigments will require more extensive treatment, such as a laser.
By Nancy LaTouche, American Academy of Micropigmentation
Permanent Cosmetics |
